2008 Preseason All-MEAC Predictions
NORFOLK, Va. — Coming off the program's first-ever winning Division I season (8-3), the Norfolk State football team was picked to finish third in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference this season in a preseason poll of league coaches and sports information directors. In addition, six Spartans were named to the preseason All-MEAC teams as announced Friday at the conference's annual football press luncheon.
In a close vote among the top four teams, South Carolina State was picked to win the MEAC with six first-place votes and 272 total points. Defending champion Delaware State also received six first-place votes and had 252 points. NSU (216 points) and fourth-place Hampton (214 points) both received two first-place votes.
NSU had three players named to the preseason All-MEAC first team and three named to the second team. Senior receiver Jamar Johnson (Norfolk, Va.), senior offensive lineman Jamien Banks (Tappahannock, Va.) and junior safety Terrell Whitehead (Virginia Beach, Va.) were the first-team selections. Sophomore receiver Jeremy Wicker (Quantico, Va.), senior defensive lineman Dennis Marsh (Greensboro, N.C.) and senior defensive back Don Carey (Norfolk, Va.) were all named to the second team.
Johnson was a second-team All-MEAC pick last year after leading NSU in receptions (42), receiving yards (565) and touchdown catches (6). Banks is one of four returning starters along the NSU offensive line, three of whom are seniors. Banks, who started all 11 games at left guard, helped NSU become the only conference team last season to boast both a 2,000-yard passer (Casey Hansen) and a 1,000-yard rusher (Daryl Jones).
Whitehead was a first-team All-MEAC selection and a third-team All-American last season. He paced the MEAC with six interceptions, which tied for sixth nationally. He added 55 tackles and four pass deflections.
Wicker had a productive freshman campaign in 2007, racking up 25 catches for 466 yards and three touchdowns. He led all Spartans in yards per reception (18.6). Marsh and Carey were both second-team All-MEAC selections in 2007. Marsh led all NSU defensive linemen with 47 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Carey had a team-high eight pass deflections and three interceptions from his cornerback position.
South Carolina State running back Will Ford was named the preseason MEAC Offensive Player of the Year, while Howard linebacker Endor Cooper took Defensive Player of the Year honors.
NSU opens preseason practice on Monday, Aug. 4. The Spartans open the 2008 season at home against Virginia State in the Virginia Lottery Labor Day Classic on Aug. 30. Kick-off is 6 p.m. at Dick Price Stadium.
